Dillsboro Man Dies In ATV Crash; Alcohol Involved

By Mike Perleberg (Moores Hill, Ind.) - Alcohol may have contributed to an ATV accident in a Moores Hill area soybean field which claimed the life of a 21-year-old man early Saturday morning. Indiana Conservation Officers say Collier Holtegel, a South Dearborn High School graduate, died at the scene of the accident in the field near West County Road. Holtegel was riding in a two-person 1000 Polaris Razor with Jacob Moody, 21, and Mason Cutter, 19, at around 3:45 a.m. All three are from Dillsboro. Investigators did not say which of the men was operating the vehicle. The off-road vehicle became airborne after entering a drainage ditch in the field, conservation officers said. The vehicle then began rolling. Holtegel was found approximately 43 feet from where the off-road vehicle came to a rest. Moody was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The extend of his injuries was not known. Cutter was taken to Dearborn County Hospital before emergency personnel arrived at the scene. Conservation officers say none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts, helmets or any other protective gear at the time of the crash. "The crash is currently under investigation.  Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor," said ICO Joshua Thomas. The crash is still under investigation. An autopsy of Holtegel is scheduled for this week. Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted at the scene by Ripley County Deputies, Dearborn County Deputies, Moores Hill Fire/EMS and Milan Fire/EMS. "Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage riders to wear seatbelts when applicable, helmets and necessary safety equipment, as well as understand all laws while operating an off-road vehicle," said Thomas.